What I Miss About You

Foolish Games - Natalie

I could not deny the thrill that coursed up my spine as I lost myself among the dense, green walls of the maze. And as odd as it seems, part of that thrill was due to the fact that I knew Ben would follow me. I rounded an edge of the maze and found myself confronted with two archways cut into the hedge. I chose the one on the left and immediately found myself navigating a series of hairpin turns, while behind me, muffled by the thick greenery I heard footballs and Ben's voice.

"Natalie, come on," he said, trying to sound stern. Yet, I detected the hint of amusement in his voice. "We're supposed to be working. Not fucking around. Where...?"

I peeked around the edge of a maze and saw him standing there looking to the left, and then to the right. I covered my mouth with my hand and giggled quietly. But he heard me. His head swung in my direction and he began to sprint after me. Letting out a squeal I disappeared behind the hedge and found another convenient wall of greenery to slip behind. Once again confronted by two archways, this time I chose the right hand one. Following the twists and turns blindly I put as much distance between myself and Ben as I could, all the while conscious that he was somewhere close behind me, hidden from sight.

"Natalie," I heard Ben's voice say. "If you don't come out right now, then I'm going to leave you here. Would you like that?"

I couldn't help myself. "You can't leave me here, Ben," I taunted. "Because you're just as lost as I am now."

"Ah-ha...!"

I yelped and plunged further into the maze as I realized he had discovered my whereabouts by the sound of my voice. I moved just in the nick of time. Only a single wall of hedge separated us now, and I heard Ben cursing softly on the other side when he could not find me. I grinned to myself, and looking around spotted the next direction I would take before I spoke again.

"Come on now, Ben," I panted, still a little out of breath from running. "You used to have an impeccable sense of direction."

"Keep talking, smart ass. I'll find you."

I giggled again. "I doubt it!"

"What do I get if I do?" Ben asked.

I can tell he was very close, perhaps only feet away. My heart skipped a little at the question. Well.

It seemed like forever since we had played like this. I could feel my excitement and elation growing by the minute. I laughed breathlessly.

"I'll tell you what, Ben," I said, moving light footed through another opening. "You can have first credit in our byline for the article. How does that sound?"

I heard Ben's mocking laugh. "Oh, I'm already getting first credit, Natalie. Seniority, remember?"

I could hear his footsteps rapidly catching up. I darted around the corner and through another opening. I knew I was getting close to the center.

"Don't pull rank on me, Ben!" I retorted. I turned in a slow circle. I've appeared to be at a dead end. "I'm the much better writer! Even Addison says so."

"Likely story," Ben scoffed.

I could tell he was a little further away now. Smiling slyly to myself, I ran my hand along the thick, dense wall of maze, looking for the next bend or hidden doorway.

"If you don't believe me, ask him yourself!" My feet moved rapidly through the emerald green tunnels. I slipped through an opening in the hedge putting even more distance between us.

"Good idea. I think I'll go do exactly that before I have lunch with Dr. Heinrich," Ben replied. "Enjoy your maze, Natalie."

Wait, what? I stopped short. I caught my ear, listening. "Ben?" I called.